Chapter 8 β The Devil Behind the Curtain
A federal task force joined the investigation the following morning.
Special Agent Laura Bennett from the FBI placed a thick classified file on the conference table.
"I've been chasing Argent Biotech for six years."
Ryan frowned.
"I thought the company no longer existed."
Laura gave a grim smile.
"On paper, no."
"In reality, it's a network."
She opened the file.
Photographs of wealthy executives, scientists, lobbyists, and politicians filled the pages.
"They specialize in experimental toxins."
"Undetectable."
"Fast."
"And incredibly expensive."
Daniel stared at one photograph.
His face drained of color.
"I know this man."
The photo showed his longtime financial advisor, Richard Hayes.
The same man who had handled every major document Daniel had signed over the past decade.
Laura nodded.
"We believe Hayes recruits wealthy clients, launders payments, and arranges discreet assassinations disguised as natural deaths."
Daniel whispered,
"I trusted him."
Across town, Victoria sat alone in a holding cell.
For the first time since her arrest, she requested to speak without her lawyer.
Ryan entered cautiously.
Victoria looked exhausted.
"I didn't want Daniel dead."
Ryan remained silent.
"They threatened me."
"Who?"
She lowered her eyes.
"They said if I refused..."
"...they'd kill my daughter."
Ryan froze.
"Daughter?"
Daniel had never mentioned a child.
Victoria slowly began to cry.
"Because she isn't his."
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Ryan's heart sank.
This case had just become far more complicated.
